Planning a Manipur trip? You will now need an ILP

Travellers will require an Inner Line Permit to visit the state

The home ministry issued a notification stating that those who wish to visit Manipur will now require an ILP; an Inner Line Permit. This is an official travel document issued by the Government of India that non-natives (those who do not reside in the state) will need if they wish to visit the state of Manipur. The document also regulates visitors’ period of stay.

The Inner Line Permit falls under the Bengal Eatern Frontier Regulation of 1873. Originally, this was a law enacted by the British to protect their elephant, oil and tea estates. Today, it continues to be used in India in order to preserve indiegnous tribal cultures in North Eatern states.

According to a news report, the ILP will be fully implemented as of the 1st of January, 2020. Additionally, the state government has selected around eight entry points where this permit will be issued, including Moreh, Mao, Jiribam and Bir Tikendrajit International Airport. Chief Minister N.Biren Singh also claimed that the state is working on developing a software that will allow non-residents to apply for the ILP online.

Manipur is the fourth state to implement the ILP, after Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. The order was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this December.